A Thornaby dad has blasted Sports Direct for their “unsuitable” changing rooms and claims his wife’s breasts would have been on “full display” while changing.

James Watson went to the retail store in Teesside Park earlier this month to return two swimming costumes and complain about the changing facilities that have large gaps on the doors with a mirror facing the tills.

But James claims he was told he would not get a refund for the swimwear and that he “was wrong” about the changing rooms - despite him highlighting the idea anyone changing in them could be “clearly visible” to other customers.

“The changing facilities available at Teesside Park are not suitable for trying on swimming wear, or anything else in my opinion.” James said.

“These changing booths are directly on the shop floor, right by the tills, with a 1.5ft gap at the top and bottom which makes you clearly visible, then, even worse a mirror on the wall facing into the shop allowing a view of both sides of a person changing.”

Concerned James, told a staff member that the changing rooms were not suitable for his wife to get unclothed in, but claims he was told he “was wrong” and that “due to the way I had spoken there was nothing he would do”.

James said: “I fully admit I was firm in my resolve and wouldn’t let it lie, however, I was not rude, nor did I swear, raise my voice or be otherwise inappropriate.

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After putting in a formal complaint, Sports Direct told James the gaps in the door were for safety and security reasons and had a policy of not exchanging underwear or swimwear for hygiene reasons.

But James, who works as a technical consultant, still feels a huge company like Sports Direct should allow customers some privacy when trying on clothes.

“I truly think it is unacceptable of a company to expect women to strip completely naked in order to try on swimming attire in a changing room facing the shop floor with mirrors providing direct viewing of them”. James added.

“I’d accept the reason for the gaps being in place if the rooms were shielded from the shop floor.

“Again with security I understand their concern, this is easily overcome by placing a member of staff who counts in and out the clothing like all the other stores at Teesside Park.